Lucille Doss Sanders

Frances Lucille Doss Sanders, affectionately known as “Cil,” passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, just two months shy of her 100th birthday. Born in Rossville, she was preceded in death by her three sisters, Hazel Corfitzon, Mary Stansell, and Jewel Campbell. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Robert Malcolm “Bob” Doss (2002) and Von Claude Sanders (2014), both lifelong Tennesseans and former residents of Chattanooga.

Lucille shared many meaningful years with Bob, during which they formed lasting friendships through their active involvement with American Legion Post 95 in East Ridge. It was there that they met Von and Alene Sanders. Bob and Von served together in Post leadership, while Lucille devoted her time as President of the Post Auxiliary. Following the loss of their spouses, Lucille and Von found companionship and love, marrying in 2003 and blending their families under the cherished motto, “Live, Laugh, Love.”

Lucille and Von were known for their joyful spirit, often delighting fellow travelers with stories, games, and their graceful dancing. She was deeply devoted to both of her husbands, each of whom brought companionship, friendship, and love into her life.

Lucille retired after many years of dedicated service with the Chattanooga-based Krystal Company. In retirement, she embraced life fully; traveling, entertaining, sharing ice cream cones and creating treasured embroidered heirlooms for her family, including pillows, wall hangings, and samplers that will be cherished for generations.

A woman of faith, Lucille loved her church, her family—whom she fondly referred to as her “children”—and her daily cup of black coffee. She often joked that after “practicing for several years,” she finally had children at age 77 when she married Von, a reflection of her warm humor and joyful outlook on life.

Lucille had a special fondness for butterflies, seeing in them a reflection of her own life—marked by hope, resilience, growth, and enduring love for family. Her collection of butterflies, in all their varied colors and forms, symbolized her belief in renewal and transformation.

One of her favorite embroidered samplers, displayed in her bedroom, beautifully captures the spirit of her life:

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Lucille is lovingly remembered by her blended family of children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, as well as the many friends whose lives she touched.

A celebration of life and sharing of memories will be held at 11:00 am on Lucille’s 100th Birthday Saturday, August 29,2026 in the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers or gifts enjoy an ice cream cone in memory of Lucille.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com